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Fix Office 2016 Apps Crashing or Unlicensed After Windows Update
Question details
Users are experiencing unexpected crashes and missing license statuses in Office 2016 applications following a Windows operating system update.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using Office 2016 applications after installing recent Windows updates.
- Observed behavior
- Applications like Excel and Outlook close unexpectedly, and the software may display as unlicensed despite having a valid employer-provided license.
Ensure your computer is connected to a stable internet connection, as the repair processes may need to download necessary files. It is also recommended to save any open work and close all active applications before proceeding with the repair.
Install Pending Windows Updates and Run Online Repair
This is the most comprehensive method to resolve crashing and licensing issues by thoroughly reinstalling broken Office components.
Windows updates can sometimes create compatibility mismatches with Office 2016. An Online Repair fixes these issues by downloading and replacing corrupted files directly from Microsoft's servers.
Open Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click 'Check for updates'. Install any pending updates.
Restart your device to ensure all newly installed Windows updates are fully applied.
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features on your Windows device.
Scroll down to locate Microsoft Office 2016, click on it, and select the 'Modify' button.
Choose the 'Online Repair' option and follow the on-screen prompts. Once completed, restart your device again.
Run a Quick Repair via Control Panel
Use this faster alternative to fix basic file corruption without needing an internet connection or a full reinstallation.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Seamless Experience
If Microsoft Office 2016 continues to crash or face complicated licensing issues after system updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that prevents frustrating crashes and licensing errors while maintaining full compatibility with your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation process, which only takes a few minutes.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files with no formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Office 2016 say unlicensed after a Windows update?
Windows updates can sometimes reset or corrupt registry keys and background services related to the Office Software Protection Platform, causing the system to temporarily lose track of your local license verification.
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair for Office?
Quick Repair replaces corrupted files locally and does not require an internet connection, making it faster. Online Repair uninstalls and completely reinstalls Office by downloading fresh files from the internet, which is more thorough for fixing severe crashes.
Will repairing Office 2016 delete my files or emails?
No, repairing Office via Windows Settings or the Control Panel only affects the application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and Outlook data files (.pst/.ost) will remain safely intact on your hard drive.
How do I verify if my organization's Office license is still active?
You can log into the Microsoft 365 web portal with your work account to check your active subscriptions, or directly contact your IT department or system administrator to ensure your device is still authorized on the network.
